Russia, China vote against UN resolution on Syria

Russia, China and Cuba voted on Friday against a resolution of the United Nations Human Rights Council which unilaterally condemns the Syrian government.

The resolution, tabled by the United States, strongly condemned "the widespread, systematic and gross violations of human rights; acts of violence; on-going atrocities; and indiscriminate targeting of civilians by the Syrian authorities."

It also condemned "the human rights violations and crimes that members of the government-controlled militia 'Shabiha' continue to commit against the Syrian people."

Although it reiterated "all violence in all its forms by all parties must cease," the resolution failed to mention any human rights violations committed by the opposition or terrorists.

Russia proposed to include the sentence of "strongly condemns all terrorist acts in Syria" in the text, but was rejected by the Human Rights Council, according to a media update sent by the council.

China said the resolution is neither balanced nor objective. It will do no good to help resolve the human rights issues in Syria, instead will possibly intensify the confrontation among parties in Syria, making the political process of Syria more complicated, China said.

A total of 41 member states voted in favor while India, Philippines and Uganda abstained.

The 20th regular session of the Human Rights Council was held from June 18 to July 6 and the 21st session will be held from Sept. 10 to 28, during which the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, mandated by the council, is expected to deliver its final report.